Chlamydiais the most common
bacterial STD in the United States. Although about 3 million cases of Chlamydia
occur each year, most are not detected. This is partly because about 50% of
Chlamydia infections in men, and 75% in women, don’t cause noticeable symptoms.
When present, symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination, unusual
discharge from the vagina or penis, or bleeding between menstrual periods.

Without treatment, 20% to 40% of women with Chlamydia suffer pelvic inflammatory
disease (PID). PID often leads to serious problems such as infertility, ectopic
pregnancy, and long-term pelvic pain. In men, Chlamydia can cause infertility,
arthritis, and other serious problems. Infection during birth can cause severe
eye and lung infections in babies. Chlamydia is easily cured, often with just
one dose of antibiotics.

More Information about Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a very common bacterial infection, affecting both men and women.
Because Chlamydia is passed from person to person during sex (vaginal, anal and
oral), it is known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD). Chlamydia
is the UK's most prevalent sexually transmitted infection and is caused by a
tiny bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis. Although Chlamydia is easily treated (b y
a short course of antibiotics) it is a problematic disease because, in the early
stages of infection, about 75% of women and up to 50% of men do not have any
symptoms.

Due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection many men and women are affected
without even realising it – Chlamydia is often referred to as the ‘silent’
disease. Many symptoms of Chlamydia (lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge
etc) can often be mistaken for other problems – this fact also hinders the
recognition of the infection or leads to misdiagnosis.

For this reason, Chlamydia has now become very widespread - more than 45,000 new
infections are diagnosed in sexual health clinics each year, and the number of
cases reported in England in the last 10 years has risen by nearly 50%.
Chlamydia affects all age groups but is particularly prevalent in the under 30's
- if you are under 30, and sexually active you have a 1 in 10 chance of having
Chlamydia and you may not even know it.

When Chlamydia is diagnosed it is easily treated and cured. However, left
untreated Chlamydia can spread infection to the cervix and fallopian tubes and
ultimately lead to infertility: Chlamydia is the most common preventable cause
of infertility in women. If you are pregnant and have Chlamydia, the infection
can also be passed on to your baby. In men, Chlamydia can cause epidydimitis
(inflammation of the reproductive area.)

ptoms

Whilst it is important to remember that many people with Chlamydia often have no
symptoms, those that do, may experience any of the following:
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain when urinating
Bleeding between periods
Lower abdominal pain
Pain during intercourse

Men may find they may have a discharge from the penis, swelling of the testicles
and a burning sensation when urinating.

The good news is that, once detected, Chlamydia is very treatable, and if dealt
with quickly is unlikely to cause any complications. Preventx’s Chlamydia
Self-Check Personal Screening Test Kits are quick and convenient and will give
you a result in minutes in the privacy of your own home. A Chlamydia home test
will give you peace of mind if you feel you are or have been at risk of
infection.

If you contract Chlamydia without showing any symptoms, you will not know unless
you have a test. Therefore it is very important to take a test if you have had
unprotected sex with a new partner recently or you or your partner has had
unprotected sex with other partners.

You can reduce your chances of getting Chlamydia or giving it to your partner by
using condoms every time you have sexual intercourse. This is especially
important if you are not in a long term monogamous relationship or are having
sex with a new partner.

Make sure your friends and colleagues have heard about the infection and its
consequences. Encourage them to use the Chlamydia test or get a check-up if they
think they may be at risk.